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Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
LOCAL Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Cde Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday instructed the commission running the affairs of Gweru to fire directors accused of corruption and misappropriation of funds.

Cde Kasukuwere directed the Tsunga Mhangami-led commission to dismiss all directors implicated in an audit conducted by the government last year.

Addressing journalists in Gweru soon after touring the city, Cde Kasukuwere said the commission should, as a matter of urgency, wield the axe on all directors that have been accused of fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of funds, wasteful expenditure, non-compliance with ministerial directives and non-compliance with statutory laws, among other offences.

Cde Kasukuwere said there were other under qualified managers at the local authority whom he said had no capacity to hold positions they were occupying and should be relieved of their duties.

He said such managers should be replaced by people with credentials and capacity to hold such key positions.

The Minister said there should be no sacred cows.

“We understand that there was an audit report that came out following an audit conducted at the City Council. The commission should follow that report and those that would be found on the wrong side of the law should pack their bags and go. Also those that are not fit to be in their offices should be dismissed,” he said.

“I’ve given you (the commission) the authority to look into the report and dismiss all those that were found on the wrong side of the law.”

Cde Kasukuwere said the local authority should prioritise service delivery and not unnecessary expenditure.

He said since the commission was put in place, the situation at Town House had changed for the better.

“We are aware that revenue has improved to $ 1, 6 million a month. The commission has brought harmony to the city and also improved service delivery. Service delivery should be given first priority,” said Cde Kasukuwere.

Some of the individuals implicated in the audit report include the Town Clerk Daniel Matawu, Acting Director of Engineering Services Ivene Muzondo and other directors.

The Minister said mayor Clr Hamutendi Kombayi, who recently allegedly fled to the United Kingdom without surrendering the mayoral regalia and council vehicle following his suspension, is now on the police wanted list.

Cde Kasukuwere said Clr Kombayi was reported to the police and is now regarded as a fugitive.

“Kombayi is now a wanted by the police. We reported him to the police and they are now looking for him,” he said.

The Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Senior Assistant Commissioner Abigail Moyo, confirmed that Clr Kombayi was on the police wanted list after the municipality made a report.

“I can confirm that we are looking for him and he is wanted by police,” she said.